Thinking of loading for 45 Colt - need some input.

[Dan_69GTX]

I've loaded over 50K of 9mm and only about 7k 45ACP and about 2K of 40.

My son bought a 45 colt revolver and I'm thinking of reloading for it.  It is a Taylor brand gun single action - replica of a 1873 I think.

Loads are for plinking/having fun.

Looking for suggestions on:
   powders to try
   bullet weights
   bullets sizing - I see some are .452 and some .454 - need to slug the barrel?
   Bullet types - lead, coated, jacketed, etc

Any tricks or things to know about 45 colt?  I've not reloaded for a revolver before.

Any better dies than others?

Will be loading on a Hornady LNL.

Might be all basic stuff, but figured I'd ask here as I start my research. 

I've already collected about 500 cases through the years so I have those to start with.

[Wobbly]

I have not loaded 45 Colt before, but here is some info I've collected along the way...

• Like 38Spcl, 45 Colt was originally a black powder cartridge. This means you'll have a bout 4X more room inside the case than you need. Meaning: 1) you're looking for less dense or "fluffy" powders. And, 2) double loads become a real threat, so more lighting may be needed.

• I believe 45 Colt takes a slightly larger bullet than 45ACP. So "45" is not always "45" when you go bullet shopping. Be careful not to click too fast !

• 1000 fps is a really hot load. This means you'll be able to shoot lead without a lot of trouble. Today's Hi-Tek coated or powder coated lead bullets will probably be excellent choices.

• Faster powders that work well in 45ACP will also work well in 45 Colt. I might start with Red Dot or Clays since they're both fast and fluffy.

Hope this helps. 

[eastman]

SAAMI set the spec for the .45 diameters to be the same (0.452"), but you will still need to look at different bullet diameters for lead vs jacketed.

[JRR]

45 Colt is interesting in that it is a tapered case.  Carbide dies won't do the taper, producing cartriges that rattle around in most chambers.  Not good for accuracy.  I use RCBS sizing die in plain steel, not carbide.  It is made with the proper taper.  Many handloaders will partiallly size the case approximately 1/3rd to hold the bullet properly but keeping the base proper diameter.  Remember, steel dies require case lube.

Sizing cases this way you can load from mild ACP levels up to beyond 44 mag power.

[Dan_69GTX]

Thanks for all the info.  I normally use Hornady dies, but got a RCBS sizing die that I like better and was able to set that up easier for my 223 Wylde chamber.

As I said - just starting down this path (son bought the gun 3 days ago) and not done much research yet - I didn't realize 45 colt was a tapered case - good to know!  Thanks!

[Wobbly]

45 Colt is interesting in that it is a tapered case. 

SAAMI shows it as a cylindrical case (constant 0.480" dia) and a slightly tapered chamber (0.480 to 0.486"). So while modern reloaders may choose to get a better fit and thereby extend case life by sizing the case to more closely follow the chamber shape, by design it's a straight-walled cartridge.

See page 59 of this document...
https://saami.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ANSI-SAAMI-Z299.3-CFP-and-R-Approved-2015-12-14-Posting-Copy.pdf

 

[bang bang]

Looking for suggestions on:
   powders to try
   bullet weights
   bullets sizing - I see some are .452 and some .454 - need to slug the barrel?
   Bullet types - lead, coated, jacketed, etc

fwiw, unless you have a stock of supplies, you may not have a choice.

i would look at your reloading manuals and see what offered in data and what you may have OTS so that you wont have to buy something new and may not like/use it anymore. but thats how i think.

bullets.  Id stick to 1 caliber/diameter.  less confusion down the road.

fwiw, i reload for economy or more bang for the buck.  So guess what will be more expensive?

Any tricks or things to know about 45 colt?  I've not reloaded for a revolver before.

not that i know of.  To me, reloading is reloading and i cant think of any tricks for any caliber, so far.

Any better dies than others?

if you are a machinist, you will know this answer.   im not, but i dont have any issue with buying different brands if necessary.  I have in the past and i sold/gave the other ones away to settle on 1 brand.

i try to keep all of my dies the same mfg so that when it comes to adjustments/accessories they are all the same and i know how to use them.   

Will be loading on a Hornady LNL.

OK.


some comments....

 > i will +BIG 1 for what wobbly says about case and space.  more space to screw up if you are not paying attention.

 > fwiw, i have 44 mag and 45LC.  In the mag i shoot alot of SWC @ 1000 or so FPS.  Its not fast, but i can shoot them all day.  Leading is the issue, but im moving to copper wash.   

 > try starting at the bottom of the table and see what you think.  IIRC, the Taylor replica is not setup to handle HOT loads like the larger frame Rugers, so keep your loads in the Older/Original COLT 45 book.   

have fun

[aasbra]

I have limited experience loading 45 Colt for a couple of Marlin 1984 lever actions.  For this application, I have used a Berrys 250 grain (IIRC) plated lead flat point bullet, with Hodgdon Universal powder with a mid range load.  Shot pretty well in the two rifles I tried it in.  More recently picked up a Ruger Vaquero in 45 Colt.  The load didn’t seem as accurate as I had hoped for here when I was shooting steel.  Didn’t try for groups on paper, but thinking I will look into the bore diameter and cylinder throat sizes on the Ruger, and may need to try a different bullet.

[lewmed]

A very accurate load for my 6" S&W 25-5 is Bayoubullets coated 250 gr RNFP bullet over a mild charge of Hodgdon Universal at about 800 to 825 fps. I have always sized my lead and coated lead bullets .001" over my bore size and use only Federal standard primers in my revolvers. Good luck I think you will find the 45 Colt a very easy cartridge to reload.

[Ron M.]

For mild and accurate loads, nothing beats Trail Boss. Out of my single actions and Model 25, 6 grains under a 200gr cast flat nose gives just under 800fps and very accurate. It's the load I use for CASS matches.

Do not use heavy loads with that revolver. Think black powder equivalent type loads. Trail Boss is a "fluffy" powder and fills the case significantly.

[Wobbly]

For mild and accurate loads, nothing beats Trail Boss. Out of my single actions and Model 25, 6 grains under a 200gr cast flat nose gives just under 800fps and very accurate. It's the load I use for CASS matches.

Do not use heavy loads with that revolver. Think black powder equivalent type loads. Trail Boss is a "fluffy" powder and fills the case significantly.

+1 on Trail Boss. I should have thought of that.

Vit has their own equivalent they call Tin Star.

[Dan_69GTX]

Looking for dies I found "45 colt" and "45 colt cowboy".

Anyone have a recommendation?  I'm thinking of the "cowboy" since initially it will be just lead (or coated) and for light loads.  No reason to get FMJ or JHP for this gun's use.

[Wobbly]

That would be some interesting reading... finding out what makes a cartridge "cowboy".

[tdogg]

Mr. GTX,

I have no experience loading 45 colt, I do have a 45 colt PTX expander that I ordered to try with 45 ACP.  It is too short and was never used.  If you need it it is yours, send me a PM.

Cheers,
Toby

[Wobbly]

If you need it it is yours...

Hey, Toby !

We have a reputation to live up to on this Forum. Don't be giving stuff away or befriending anybody.

And absolutely, no helping.